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Ms. Sminu Jindal confers ‘Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)’ on eight institutions for promoting inclusion through accessibility

Founder of a pioneering dream – “To Rethink, Redesign, Rebuild a newer world to empower every soul”, an accessibility crusader, India’s first women leader to have broken the glass ceiling in the Steel, Oil and Energy sector, young and dynamic Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd. Ms. Sminu Jindal gave away the ‘Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018 (Taiwan Edition)’ at Taipei on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transportation for the Elderly and Disabled People (TRANSED2018), on 14th November 2018 to leading government and non-government agencies of Taiwan for their wonderful initiatives to promote #Accessibility4All and inclusion.

The Call for Nomination received an overwhelming response from across Taiwan – both from government organisations as well as businesses and social enterprises.

Board of Jury
The Board of Jury for Svayam Accessibility Awards, comprised of International experts and practitioners and included Ms. Ann Frye, Director, Ann Frye Ltd., U.K. and Member, International Activities Sub Committee of TRB ABE 60, Prof. (Ms.) Anabela Simões, Ergonomics Department, Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal and Member, Research Sub Committee of ABE(60) TRB, Mr. Rex CK Luk, Hong Kong Welfare Society, Member, TRB ABE 60 Committee, Mr. Joey Goldman, Independent Consultant/Co-Chair TRB ABE 60, Dr. Geetam Tiwari, Transport Research & Injury Prevention Program (TRIPP), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi, Mr. Mohammed Yousuf, US Department of Transport and Member ABE 60, Mr. Anuj Malhotra, Centre for Green Mobility, India, Mr. Amit Bhatt, Director – Integrated Transport, Sustainable Cities, World Resources Institute, India, Prof. M. Balakrishnan, Computer Science Engineering Department, IIT Delhi, and Prof. Sheila Mitra –Sarkar, Founder, Future Trans Consulting and Member, ABE 70 – Women’s Issues in Transportation.

Introductory Film to Svayam Accessibility Awards, its legacy and nominees of 2018 edition.

 

RECIPIENTS OF SVAYAM ACCESSIBILITY AWARDS 2018 (TAIWAN EDITION):

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (POLICY)

Institute of Transportation (IOT), Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), Taiwan

Dr. Chi-Kuo Lin (centre), Director General, Institute of Transportation, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Institute of Transportation (IOT) helps the MOTC in accessible public transportation using a promotion cycle with concepts introduction, planning and design demonstration, operation demonstration, and regulation and policy development. IOT has been successfully assisting MOTC to establish a public transportation that is more in line with the needs of diverse groups, from barrier-free to universal design.

Institute of Transportation, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (IOT-MOTC) introduced the concepts of barrier-free environment through a series of researches since 1990. In 1995, IOT performed a series of studies that demonstrated how to plan, design, and operate the barrier-free vehicles and services.

With the help of a series of researches, IOT successfully demonstrated the planning, design, and operation of barrier-free vehicles and services. IOT also drafted the Regulation based on the gradually implemented accessible public transportation. The Regulation draft accomplished the legalization of accessible public transportation in land (road and railway), sea, and air transportation.

IOT helped towards facilitating the “sustainable development of policies for accessible public transportation to establish an inclusive environment.”

Congratulations Institute of Transportation, MOTC!

 

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (PRACTICE)

The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government, Taiwan

Mr. Hui-Sheng, Feng, (Centre) Deputy Director, Transportation Bureau, Taichung City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government has undertaken inclusion- friendly accessible transport initiatives such as “Adopting Connected Vehicle Technology to Improve Bus Service” and “Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers”. The Bureau’s ‘City All-in-One Service’ is a ‘visually impaired navigation technology’ combined with public transport applications’ services, which is truly a great enabler. The system also works for inclusion as general population and visually impaired passengers can use the bus service together without any barrier.

In the last two years, the Bureau had started to develop Smart Transportation IOV Service, which includes Continuous promotion of Accessibility for Blind and Visually Impaired Passengers services, Bus shelter flow, and traffic detection. The buses are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) & driving recorders (MDVR).

Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Taichung City Government!

 

Category: MOST ACCESSIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTION

North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan

Mr. Shi-Ching, Chang (Second from Left), Dy Director General, Tourism Bureau MOTC Taiwan and Mr. Jenn-Chyan Chang (second from right), Director of North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey, Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: In order to a create disabled- friendly environment, the North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan, has included accessibility as one of its main focus areas toward “Building a Barrier-Free and Accessible Environment at the Keelung Heping Island Park” and North Cost Accessibility Route”, and allocated a dedicated budget to develop accessible facilities.

North Coast offers nursery room, accessible toilet and accessible parking lot, accessible route, while also offering wheelchairs and baby stroller on rent. As North Coast owns one of the most unique geomorphic and incredible beaches in the world, it made the entire facilities accessible so that tourists with disabilities can also enjoy cruise tourism.

Congratulations North Coast & Guanyinshan National Scenic Area Administration, Tourism Bureau, MOTC, Taiwan!

 

Category: BEST PRACTICE AWARDS

1. Best Practice (Accessible Transport) : Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government, Taiwan 

Mr. Wu Yu-Chiu, Section Chief of Transportation Management Section, Tainan City Government, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov. 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government’s “Bus Rapid Transit” system helps in creating a barrier-free environment of bus service. There are 149 low-floor buses now in Tainan with wheelchair zones, specific seats for guide dogs, and companion seats. In addition to 40% low-floor buses ratio, there are 607 new type bus shelters which have been built with LED dynamic information display systems, and 62 of them were selected to be equipped with “blind information dots” and “bus to the station voice broadcast” equipment.

“Rapid Public Transportation System” by the Bureau includes Bus Rapid Transit, Railway Rapid Transit, Inter-modal Stations Development, Demand Responsive Transportation Service (DRTS), Integration of Electronic Tickets and Information, and Advanced Public Transportation System.

Congratulations Bureau of Transportation, Tainan City Government!

 

2. Best Practice (Accessible Hospitality) : – OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (second from left), Founder and CEO,  along with Mr. Jack Chen, Vice CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal & Mr. Patrick Yey (extreme right), Hony. Chairman, TRANSED2018, at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: OurCityLove Social Enterprise Taiwan combines innovative technology and passionate social entrepreneurs to raise awareness, increase inclusivity and improve accessibility for the elderly, mobility impaired, and people with disabilities.

It is now the leading smart city accessibility information service partner for 15 city governments, 3000+ companies in public service category and 77 NGOs in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. Many famous museums, shopping malls, hospitals, schools, transportation stations and government agencies have adopted OurCityLove’s advanced ICT solution to offer inclusive services to all.

Congratulations OurCityLove Social Enterprise!

 

3. Best Practice (Comprehensive rehabilitation & accessibility services for Persons with Disabilities)- Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan

Mr. Juo-Sung HUANG, CEO, Eden Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15thInternational Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: Eden Social Welfare Foundation has undertaken brilliant steps towards accessible para-transit systems, rehab bus transportation provisions, vocational training for persons with disabilities, job counselling, emotional therapy, as well as early intervention services for children with delayed development and residential care for seniors.

Eden has more than 100 service centres in Taiwan and overseas and serves nearly 200,000 people every year. Through a series of activities, such as “Love without Borders – Assistive Devices Donation Project”, Eden has successfully been promoting the cause of disabilities and accessibility in Taiwan and beyond.

Congratulations Eden Social Welfare Foundation!

 

4. Best Practice [Accessible Transport (Taxi service)] – Joint Award to The Yulon Group, Taiwan and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise, Taiwan

Mr. Vincent Tsao (extreme right) Vice President Luxgen Motor Co. Ltd, Yulon Group & Prof. Dr. Chong Wey Lin (extreme left), Founder and CEO, OurCityLove Social Enterprise Co. Ltd., Taiwan jointly receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: The Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise have together redefined access to hotels with its inspiring accessible transport (Taxi service).

Their cooperation inspires social innovation and boosts accessible tourism services in Taiwan. “Luxgen V7 Eco‐Hyper” is the result of their joint design with the inputs from the people with disabilities, and is Taiwan’s first accessible vehicle.

With these breakthrough models, they have successfully tried to address a common frustration among the elderly and people with disabilities and their families — travelling far tourism.

Congratulations Yulon Group and the OurCityLove Social Enterprise!

 

5. Best Practice (Rehabilitation of People with Intellectual Disabilities) – Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan

Ms. Sunny Hu, Director, Public Affairs, Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation, Taiwan, receiving Svayam Accessibility Award 2018 from Svayam Founder Ms. Sminu Jindal at Taipei on 14 Nov 2018 on the sidelines of 15th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED2018)

Citation: Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation (CAREUS) has constructed a safe working environment for children with intellectual disabilities and has demonstrated the Best Practice in their Rehabilitation. With assistance of social workers and industrial mentors, they teach children with ID professional skills, and have simplified the operational procedures through individualized and differentiated practical training and the design of assistive devices.

Children with ID are engaged in job matching and license acquisition to transform them from “service receivers” into “service providers.” Also, positive values are also being instilled into them for equal participation in the society.

Congratulations Children Are Us Social Welfare Foundation!

 

Media Coverage

Coverage of Svayam Accessibility Awards 2018, Taiwan Edition held on 14 Nov 2018 at Taipei.

See you in the next edition of Svayam Accessibility Awards 2021!

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HRD Minister unveils ‘कड़ी जोड़ने का एक प्रयास’ – Hindi Version of “Bridging the Gap”

Press Release:

New Delhi, 16 Nov 2017

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Hon’ble Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Govt. of India, and Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Chairperson- Svayam and Managing Director- Jindal SAW Ltd., jointly unveiled “कड़ी जोड़ने का एक प्रयास  – विकासशील देशों में विकलांग (दिव्यांग) बालकों के लिए स्कूल तक का सफर आसान बनाने में आपकी भूमिका ”, the Hindi Version of an international research “Bridging the Gap: Your Role in Transporting Children with Disabilities to School in Developing Countries” by the Access Exchange International (AEI), USA.

Image of Union HRD Minister and Founder - Svayam jointly unveiling the book
Hon’ble HRD Minister & Founder- Svayam jointly unveiling the Hindi version of book ‘Bridging the Gap”

As part of its ongoing campaign to promote accessible transportation for children with reduced mobility, Svayam, an initiative of the S. J. Charitable Trust, translated and released the Hindi Version.

While releasing the Hindi Version, Shri Javadekar said, “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” holds great hope in developing countries like India; it has case studies and examples taken from many countries which can help stakeholders in providing economically feasible, easy and safe accessible school transportation to children with disabilities.”

Mr. Javadekar added, “The book is a big help to strengthen the government’s “Accessible India Campaign” (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), and I am sure this Hindi Version will surely help in making school transportation “fully accessible” in coming years, and will make the PM’s slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ a reality.”

“Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” is surely an ambitious step by Sminu Jindal Ji and her Svayam Team towards enabling children with disabilities and reduced mobility to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, and participation in all aspects of life in an inclusive society,” Mr. Javadekar added in his message which finds place in the Hindi version.

He also assured that his Ministry will facilitate the implementation of the examples given in the book, and invited every stakeholder in education system to come forward and make India fully accessible for the children with reduced mobility.

Ms. Sminu Jindal hoped that “Kadi Jodne Ka Ek Prayas” will help us ensure that no child is left without education merely due to lack of accessible transport and schools.  “Together, we can bridge the gap between where students with disabilities live and the schools they need to attend. We also have to ensure that children with disabilities grow up to become citizens as productive as you and I am, and that is possible only when we put them in schools. This book will help us achieve our shard objectives of Inclusive Education.” added Ms. Jindal.

Svayam had helped the AEI in researches, ground studies and liaising with schools and other stakeholders in India for the preparation of this research. The AEI representative Mr. Pete Meslin (also the Director of Transportation, Newport Mesa Unified School District, California, USA, and one of the authors of this Research Book) visited India to attend events aimed to spread awareness about the Hindi Version of the book.

Image of Mr. Pete Meslin speaking
Mr. Pete Meslin, Representative of AEI speaking at an event to raise awareness on accessible transport to schools

Mr. Meslin appreciated Svayam’s efforts and said: “Accessible transportation can help address the long-standing problem of millions of children with disabilities failing to attend school in developing countries including India. Education and transport ministries, transportation providers, schools and local communities including parents, caregivers and disability NGOs can play their roles to make this global mission a big success.”

Svayam and the AEI have been partnering for projects of mutual interest for many years; notable among them are: the development of the World Bank’s Transit Access Training Toolkit for bus drivers and conductors to ensure safe and dignified transport to the elderly and the people with reduced mobility. Svayam had help in the research and prepared the case study for the Toolkit. Also, Svayam publicized the message of the World Bank to reach a larger audience and magnify awareness amongst the bus drivers and conductors. Svayam also helped the AEI in para-transit transport research on auto-rickshaws and carried out modification experiments and User Testing at the Piaggio facility.

To obtain a copy of the book, click here for Hindi version and click here [External website of AEI] for English version. If you are unable to download, drop an email to svayam.india@gmail.com or editor@svayam.com

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Svayam promotes accessible para-transit in India with donation of 10 wheelchair accessible vehicles

a picture of accessible vans
Accessible Vans donated by Svayam

As part of its ongoing campaign to promote accessible transportation for people with reduced mobility, Svayam, donated a total of 10 wheelchair accessible vehicles to needy stakeholders.

Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder-Chairperson, Svayam, and MD, Jindal SAW Limited, handed over the keys to the recipients in a cheerful atmosphere, and hoped that this would help children as well as adults with reduced mobility to travel with ease and dignity.

Ms. Jindal said, “We are grateful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for giving a big boost to accessibility movement in India by launching Accessible India Campaign. We at Svayam enthusiastically promote Govt of India’s mission to make transportation accessible for all. It is because we strongly feel that an accessible transport system is the single most crucial link which can make the entire society inclusive and help provide a chance for equal opportunity to all; regardless of their physical abilities.”

“Accessible transport helps people to feel empowered as they can make their own life choices with freedom of movement. Accessible school transportation is also equally important to enable children with disabilities to attend schools for their all-round development”,  she added.

These modified vehicles were retrofitted to ensure easy and dignified commutes for people with reduced mobility. As part of the planning, the vans had their ceilings raised for higher headroom, a fold-able ramp for easy entry and exit via wheelchairs, wheelchair restraint mechanism, among many other necessary modifications. Each van can accommodate three persons apart from the driver (including one wheelchair user while being seating on the manual wheelchair).

Ms. Albina Sarkar, Director Mobility India receiving the keys from the Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Svayam
Ms. Albina Sarkar, Director Mobility India receiving the keys from the Ms. Sminu Jindal, Founder Svayam

In an earlier held similar event on 21 April 2017, a total of three vans were given to Mobility India – a Bangaluru based NGO, for use in Bengaluru and North East India, while one van was given to EzyMov for use in Mumbai.

A woman driver of Sakha Taxi (Azad Foundation) receiving the key

Two such vans were given to the Azad Foundation, and one van to Mr. Samuel Mani, at a special ceremony held at the Jindal Centre, New Delhi, on 23rd August 2017.

“We are adding wings to women empowerment and entrepreneurship, as two vans are being given to women-run organisation, Azad Foundation, which runs ‘Sakha Cabs for Women by Women Campaign’, and ‘Women-on Wheels’ program. They offer 24X7 taxi services to women passengers, thus helping the cause of women safety which is a big issue.” said Ms. Jindal.

Dr. Shanti Aulack, Founder President, Muskaan receiving the keys from Ms. Sminu Jindal
Dr. Shanti Aulack, Founder President, Muskaan receiving the keys

Three vans were given away to New Delhi based non-profit organizations working with persons with disabilities on 29 September 2017. The recipients were Muskaan PAWCMH (Muskaan Parents Association for the Welfare of Children with Mental Handicap),  ASTHA and Family of Disabled.

Ms. Radhika M. Alkazi, Managing Trustee, ASTHA, receiving the key
Representative from Family of Disabled (FOD) receiving the key

Svayam believes that accessibility is not limited to only person with disabilities, it is the need of everyone as it makes our lives much easier; hence Svayam has been using the hashtag #Accessibility4All  in its all social media campaigns.

Currently no manufacturers make wheelchair accessible vehicles and thus a vehicle is first bought and then taken to authorised fabirators/ workshops.

People with disabilities or organisations working with them, often have to bear additional costs to modify vehicles. Hence, by distributing such vehicles, Svayam is also sending the right message about the need of manufacturers coming out with accessible vehicles to meet the growing needs of the seniors & those with reduced mobility.

 

 

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Differently-abled pour out transport woes

Click here to read from source: The IBN Live

CUTTACK: The Government proclaims that it is sensitive to the problems of access faced by the physically challenged. It also claims spending huge sums in installing infrastructure. But the disabled are still to feel any discernible change in the scene across the State.

Travelling by the public transport system has posed a major challenge to the physically challenged as the vehicles do not have the facilities for easy boarding and alighting. They are also subjected to serious harassment while commuting.

The Government has spent Rs 1.60 crore on equipping the public transportation systems with facilities for people with disabilities. In spite of the claims, the people have not benefited.

Instances of harassment were galore at the public hearing organised by the National Trust of the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in association with the Committee for Legal Aid to Poor under the Badhte Kadam initiative here.

Submitting before the hearing panel, one Bijay Kumar Sahoo, a student of BJB College, Bhubaneswar, alleged that seats were not offered to persons with disabilities. Though there was provision of free travel for persons with disabilities, he was charged by the conductor even in the State-run City Bus Service in the State capital. Another participant Dolly Sahoo of Arabinda Nagar in Ganjam district also stated that she was harassed and misbehaved by the bus conductor while travelling regularly. Though there were provisions for reserving seats for physically challenged, they were not offered to the beneficiaries.

The panel comprising Dr V Pruthviraj, former Justice of the Orissa High Court PK Mishra, People with Disabilities Commissioner Kasturi Mohapatra, Registrar of State Commission for Persons with Disabilities SK Mishra, Cuttack Collector Girish SN took note of the problems.

The issues would be put up before the Government for immediate action, the panel promised.

(Watch CNN-IBN live on your iPad. IBN7 and IBN Lokmat too. Download the IBNLive for iPad app. It’s free. Click here to download now)

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POD Taxis seems a reality in National Capital Region

POD taxis a step closer (Hindustan Times) 

Moving a step towards providing high-tech public transport to city residents, the authorities have completed the survey for introducing Pod Taxis in Gurgaon. The survey – conducted by a private sector Fairwood Green Transport Private Limited, was coordinated by 98the Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon (MCG) – appointed as the nodal agency for the survey.

According to the survey, there will be 3150 Pod Taxis for the entire city. The route will be 105-km long with 143 stations and eight multi-level parking lots. The route will pass through NH8 at six locations.

As part of the proposed Personal Rapid Transport system (PRTS) project, the entire route, however, does not cover IMT Manesar and new sectors proposed in the Gurgaon Master Plan 2025 (Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex 2025).

The route will also cover old Gurgaon localities in addition to the posh and privately developed townships such as DLF City, Sushant Lok, Palam Vihar, Southcity and HUDA sectors. The project will cost the state government around R5,000 crore and is likely to be executed under the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

Multi-level parking lots have been proposed at stations located in Udyog Vihar, Sahara Mall (MG Road), Sector 43, Ardee Mall, Leisure Valley Park, Mini Secretariat, Sector 37 park and Kadipur (Pataudi Road).

MCG commissioner Sudhir Rajpal said, “The study conducted for the PRTS project has been completed and sent to the higher authorities for approval.”

“A detailed ground hindrance report on the PRTS has been forwarded to the Haryana government. The remaining decision on this project will be taken by the higher authorities,” he added.

The revolutionary Pod taxi service is already functional at Heathrow Airport in the UK, where it has been running successfully. Pod taxi is a battery-operated, driverless and laser guided small vehicle with rubber wheels running on an elevated tracks.

With a passenger carrying capacity of 4-6 persons, the Pod car can speed up to 40kmph. Weighing about 850 kg, the car is best suited for a burgeoning city like Gurgaon.